While famous for its casinos and gaming, this mountain community offers spectacular natural scenery and outdoor recreation across all four seasons. Its rich cultural heritage and thriving local arts scene also make Black Hawk an engaging destination year-round. This guide covers the highlights of visiting during spring, summer, fall, and winter to help you determine the best time to visit Black Hawk, given your interests.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Spring brings moderate weather that is perfect for hiking and biking on the scenic mountain trails.
- Summer offers a wide range of outdoor festivals and activities like kayaking Clear Creek.
- Fall dazzles with golden aspens and comfortable days ideal for history tours and gallery-hopping.
- Winter transforms the mountain into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for hitting the slopes.
Spring Weather Beckons Outdoor Adventurers
Spring is a delightful time to visit Black Hawk. Temperatures range from crisp 40s Fahrenheit into pleasant 60s by late spring. The residual winter snowpack nourishes Clear Creek into a gushing torrent while wildflowers carpet the mountainsides in vibrant colors. Hiking and biking come into full swing once trails dry out in April and May. Off-roading on Yankee Hill Road guarantees steep climbs and incredible views. Anglers can cast lines for trout in the gold medal fishing waters of Clear Creek. Spring also hosts cultural events like the Mountain Madrigal Singers series at the Lodge Casino. As the weather warms in May and June, restaurants open up outdoor patios overlooking the mountain vistas. Spring lodging rates are moderate, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive.
Top Spring Activities
- Hiking: Try out scenic trails like the Peaks Trail Overlook.
- Mountain biking: Ride the lift-assisted downhill trails at Apex Park.
- Fishing: Cast for trout in Clear Creek right in town.
- Wildflower viewing: Marvel at wildflowers like columbines and paintbrush.
- Birdwatching: Spot songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and more.
- Patio dining: Enjoy al fresco meals with a side of mountain views.
Summer Festivals, Music, and Mountain Adventure
Summer sees Black Hawk come alive with festivals, cultural events, and a wide range of outdoor recreation. June through August brings hot sunny days with temperatures climbing into the 80s, making it perfect for activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and paddling Clear Creek. The creek’s cold snowmelt waters offer whitewater rafting through early July. Summer also brings a full calendar of cultural festivals like the Clear Creek RapidGrass Bluegrass Festival in nearby Idaho Springs, Gilpin County Fair- Westernaires, and Winter Park Brewfest. The Central City Opera Festival can be experienced in one of their 27 Victorian-era properties, including the jewel box opera house built in 1878. Live music echoes through the mountain air every weekend. The gaming action heats up over summer too, while the mountain air cools the evenings.
Top Summer Activities
- Paddling: Kayak or raft Clear Creek's rapids.
- Horseback riding: Ride scenic mountain trails on horseback.
- Mountain biking: Ride the lift-served downhill trails.
- Hiking: Trek to waterfalls and alpine lakes.
- Festivals and events: Attend summer festivals almost every weekend.
- Live music: Catch free live music performances.
- Gaming: Enjoy slots and table games at the casinos.
Fall Foliage and Cultural Exploration
Fall brings a blaze of golden fall foliage to the aspen-blanketed mountain slopes surrounding Black Hawk. September and October see crisp, sunny days with highs around 60°F — perfect weather for being outdoors. The mountainside shines with vibrant yellow aspens contrasted against the evergreen pines. The fall colors make an ideal backdrop for a ride on the historic Gilpin Tramway, ascending 2,500 feet to the former mining camps on Gregory Hill. Fall also hosts cultural events like the Festival Italiano in Lakewood and numerous Oktoberfest celebrations. Comfortable daytime weather makes exploring historical sites as pleasant as wandering through the local art galleries. With kids back in school, fall offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe.
Top Fall Activities
- Leaf peeping: Marvel at the golden fall foliage.
- Gilpin Tramway: Ride this historic tram up Gregory Hill.
- History tours: Learn about Black Hawk's mining past.
- Gallery tours: Peruse works by local artists.
- Apple picking: Pick apples at nearby Ela Family Farms.
- Oktoberfest: Celebrate at one of the many fall beer festivals.
- Fall deals: Take advantage of off-season lodging and gaming deals.
Winter Adventure in a Snow-Covered Wonderland
Winter blankets Black Hawk in glistening snow, transforming the mountain into a veritable winter wonderland. Ski resorts like Arapahoe Basin and Echo Mountain offer downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on over 750 acres of trails. Local outfitters like Clear Creek Rafting switch gears in winter to offer ice climbing and snowmobiling adventures. The winter days are mostly sunny but cold, with highs in the 30s. Nights dip down below freezing. The cold air makes the snow light and powdery—perfect for winter sports. Winter also brings holiday events like the Winter Wonderland Celebration and New Year’s Eve fireworks. With airfares at seasonal lows, winter is also an affordable time to visit.
Top Winter Activities
- Downhill skiing: Hit the slopes at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
- Cross-country skiing: Glide along groomed trails.
- Snowboarding: Catch big air at terrain parks.
- Ice climbing: Scale frozen waterfalls with guides.
- Snowmobiling: Zoom along snowy mountain trails.
- Snowshoeing: Trek through quiet snow-hushed forests.
- Holiday events: Attend Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Local Cuisine Showcases Colorado Ingredients
Black Hawk’s mountain town dining scene features locally sourced ingredients from Colorado ranchers and farmers. Popular cuisine ranges from elevated pub fare and steakhouses to Italian, Mexican, and Asian fusion. Signature dishes include elk chops, Colorado lamb, and rainbow trout—all sourced from regional purveyors. The farm-to-table movement thrives here, with many restaurants boasting their own vegetable gardens. Craft breweries like the Tommyknocker Brewery offer house-brewed beers, while bars like Bar 8042 offer regional cocktails. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge at the fudge and chocolate shops lining the historic Main Street. For a walk through history, visit Teller House, a Central City historic hotel turned restaurant built in 1872.
Lodging Options Range from Luxury to Old West
Visitors can bed down in settings spanning flashy Vegas-style towers to family-run 1950s-era motels. The larger casino resorts like the Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, Bally’s (Golden Gates), and Horseshoe Black Hawk feature modern high-rise towers with full-service spas, well-appointed guest rooms, multiple restaurants, heated pools, and 24-hour casinos. Travelers seeking a cozier vibe can stay at one of the many historic inns and lodges. Rustic mountain cabins offer a remote retreat experience with fireplaces and full kitchens. Most accommodations fill up fast during the peak summer season, so advance reservations are essential. Off-season rates offer substantial savings.
Family-Friendly Attractions Abound
While best known for its casinos and nightlife, families can still fill their Black Hawk vacation days with plenty of fun for all ages. The hillside Apex Recreation area offers everything from lift-served mountain biking and hiking to an alpine slide and mini-golf. Interactive museums like the Black Hawk Historical Museum and Colorado Central Railroad Museum keep kids engaged with hands-on exhibits and model train displays. Other family-friendly diversions include the scenic Gilpin Tramway and gold panning at Clear Creek. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater hosts everything from movies to yoga to concerts at this national landmark. Most of the casinos offer supervised kids’ activity rooms and arcades so parents can enjoy some gaming time.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Black Hawk?
Every season offers its own unique adventures. Spring and fall tend to be more affordable with smaller crowds. The peak summer season has the most festivals and activities, while winter hosts world-class skiing and snowboarding.
What is there to do in Black Hawk besides gambling at the casinos?
The mountain setting provides endless outdoor recreation across all seasons. Cultural attractions range from museums and art galleries to historic tours and festivals. There are also shops, restaurants, breweries, chocolate shops, a scenic aerial tramway and more.
What is the weather like in Black Hawk?
Spring and fall are sunny and mild, while summer brings hot, sunny weather perfect for outdoors. Winters are cold and snowy—ideal for winter sports. The town sits at an elevation of 8,500 feet.
Is Black Hawk kid-friendly?
While not a typical kid-centric destination, Black Hawk offers many family-friendly activities, from mountain adventure parks to hands-on museums. Casinos also provide supervised child activity rooms and arcades.
What is there to do at night in Black Hawk besides gambling?
Popular nightlife includes live music concerts under the stars, comedy shows, variety acts, and musicals at the casinos’ event centers. The town also offers bars with dance floors, piano lounges, sports bars, and quiet wine bars.
